Is it just me or does it seem like there have been more natural disasters than usual this year?   Earthquake in China, cyclone in Burma, volcanos in South America, a battery of tornadoes in the midwest, flooding down the Mississipi River, and now wildfires popping up all over the western states. 

Disasters are part of the human condition and humans are programmed with certain survivial skills - you've probably heard about fight or flight.   Most of us think that when we get that shot of adrenaline and cortisol, blood pumping to our limbs, that we will know how to respond.   This is not always the case.  You might have ideas about how you will perform in a disaster, but don't be so certain.  Even career leaders and CEO's do not always perform in the same level-headed manner during a crisis.  In fact, research psychologists, who study how our mind and body works in disasters, know that a significant percentage of people in an emergency become gripped by fear and essentially become immobile. 

Researchers also know that mental conditioning helps us activate during these times of emergency.   Ya know those countless drills you endured in school to prepare for fires and inclement weather, or those of you who prepared for bomb threats?   Those work!  Indeed, we are more in charge of our survival than one might think.  For example, Time recently posted an article about Rick Escorla, head of security operations at Morgan Stanley in the Twin Towers during 2001.  He had for years, prepared employees of the company with numerous, surprise fire drills, much to the chagrin of interrupted  high performer bankers.  But those bankers were glad when it worked - 2,687 people were saved on 9/11 because they didn't have to think during a disaster.  They already knew what to do. 

What can you do?  First, post a comment at this blog to share an interesting related story or a comment.  Then go to Front Range Psychological Associates to find a list of five things you can do now to prepare you and your loved ones.